#SeaDogs Open Season With a "W"

It might have been the first game of the season, but the Portland Sea Dogs' offense looked to be in midseason form. On Thursday night, the Sea Dogs started things off by bashing four home runs, while also swiping four bases in a thrilling 10-5 victory over the Reading Phillies at FirstEnergy Stadium.

The offensive explosion began just five pitches into the 2010 campaign, as Ryan Kalish greeted Vance Worley with a home run to right field. The Phillies were quick to respond, scoring three times in two innings, to take a 3-1 lead.

Reading held onto that lead until the fifth inning, when the Sea Dogs put five runs on the board, capped off by a Luis Exposito three-run homer.

Nate Spears' solo home run in the seventh and Che-Hsuan Lin's three run blast in the eighth provided some insurance for the visitors, who built a 10-4 advantage at the time.

Felix Doubront picked up the win for Portland, going five innings, allowing three hits, three runs (two earned), and one walk, while striking out two. Vance Worley suffered the loss for the Phillies, going four and one-third innings, allowing five hits, four runs, and two walks, while striking out three.

Ryan Kalish, Che-Hsuan Lin, and Jose Iglesias each had two hits on the offensive side, while Eammon Portice got a hold in his Double-A debut on the mound. Jason Rice also made his debut for the Sea Dogs, pitching a perfect ninth inning to secure the win.

The Sea Dogs and Phillies continue their four-game series on Friday at 7:05. Ryne Miller gets the nod for Portland, going up against Reading's Phillippe Aumont.

Click below for boxscore and recap

http://portland.seadogs.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t546&t=g_box&gid=2010_04_08_prtaax_reaaax_1



GAME HIGHLIGHTS COURTESY THE US CELLULAR SEA DOGS RADIO NETWORK

SEA DOGS OPEN 2ND HALF WITH TOUGH LOSS

The Trenton Thunder (45-45) scored nine unanswered runs and their bullpen hurled 6.1 scoreless innings in a 9-6 come-from-behind victory over the Portland Sea Dogs (43-47) on Thursday night at Waterfront Park. The Sea Dogs have lost 3 of their last 4 road games and trail the Thunder by two games for third place in the Northern Division.

RHP Kevin Whelan (4-0) tossed two perfect innings and recorded three strikeouts to earn the win for Trenton. RHP Jose Valdez pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his 6th save of the season. LHP Wilkin Arias (2.1 IP), Whelan (2 IP), RHP Grant Duff (1 IP) and Valdez combined for 6.1 scoreless relief frames for the Thunder on three hits and 10 strikeouts. Portland’s batters tied a season-high by striking out 14 times.

LHP Andrew Dobies (2-2) allowed four consecutive RBI hits in the sixth inning to take the loss for the Sea Dogs. Portland scored the first six runs of the game but Trenton fought back and closed the gap to 6-4 on 3B Marcos Vechionacci’s (2-for-3) RBI single off RHP Blake Maxwell. Dobies relieved Maxwell and retired CF Austin Krum (1-for-4) on a fly out to left field. 2B Reegie Corona (2-for-4, 4 RBI) tied the game with a 2-run double and scored from second base on an infield single by SS Eduardo Nunez (1-for-5). 2B Ryan Khoury made a great stop on Nunez’s hit but his throw to first base was late. 1B Lars Anderson had his back to the play and Corona never broke stride and scored the winning run. DH Jorge Vazquez (1-for-5) tagged an RBI triple off the center-field wall and C Jesus Montero (2-for-4, 2 RBI) laced a run-scoring single.

Portland started the series by sending seven men to the plate in the first inning and scored three times off starter LHP Jeremy Bleich. CF Josh Reddick (walk), Khoury (HBP) and LF Ryan Kalish (single) set the table for the Sea Dogs. After Kalish’s (1-for-3, SB) single, the game was delayed 45 minutes due to heavy rain and resumed at 7:58 PM. DH Jon Still (1-for-4) blooped an RBI single for the first run of the game and fielder’s choices by Anderson (0-for-3, RBI) and C John Otness (2-for-4, HR, 4 RBI) brought home the final two runs of the frame.

Otness blasted a 3-run homer with one out in the third inning to give Portland a 6-0 lead. Bleich was lifted after 2.2 IP, surrendering 6 runs on three hits, five walks and four strikeouts. Trenton responded in the third inning with three runs off LHP Felix Doubront (no-decision). Corona put Trenton on the board with a 2-run double and Montero produced a 2-out run-scoring single. Doubront gave up five hits, three runs, three walks and two strikeouts over 4 IP.

The Sea Dogs had two baserunners after the third inning and dropped to 20-22 away from Hadlock Field. Trenton received a hit from all nine starts and improved their division-best home record to 26-21.

The Sea Dogs continue their 4-game series in Trenton on Friday night beginning at 7:05 PM. Catch all the action on the U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network beginning at 6:35 PM with the Pre-Game Show built by CorrectDeck. RHP Junichi Tazawa (8-5, 2.79) will make his 17th start of the season against RHP Ryan Pope (3-5, 5.33).

Notes…RHP Ryne Miller tossed two scoreless innings for Portland and has not allowed a run in 4 IP since joining Portland from Salem…Doubront was the only pitcher to work more than 2.2 IP…The series opener was delayed after the two teams played only six minutes…Trenton starter for Sunday RHP Zach McAllister was placed on the disabled list during the game.

Courtesy Portland Sea Dogs

SEA DOGS FINALLY GET TO FISHER CATS

RHP Adam Mills (6-5) tossed six scoreless innings and C Juan Apodaca (2-for-4, 4 RBI, 2B) drove in 4 runs as the Portland Sea Dogs (43-46) rolled to a 9-2 victory over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (41-49) on Monday afternoon at Hadlock Field. The Sea Dogs managed a split of the 4-game set with New Hampshire and finished the homestand at 4-3.

Mills earned his 4th consecutive win, allowing two hits, three walks and five strikeouts in the series finale. The righty worked out of a first inning jam when the 'Cats loaded the bases with one out. Mills retired RF Nick Gorneault on a line out to third base and stuck out C Brian Jeroloman.

The Sea Dogs responded with four runs in the first inning off losing pitcher RHP Kenny Rodriguez (1-2). With one out, LF Ryan Kalish walked and 3B Jorge Jimenez singled Kalish to third base. DH Jon Still cracked a run-scoring double off the right-field wall and Apodaca delivered a 2-run bloop double to right field. SS Argenis Diaz nailed a RBI double to left-center field but was thrown out trying to stretch it to a triple. Rodriguez lasted 2.2 innings, allowing five hits, five runs, three walks and four strikeouts.

CF Josh Reddick smack two home runs, nailing a two-out blast over the right-center field wall in the second inning. Reddick slammed his 12th homer of the season (49 games and 203 at-bats) to lead off the seventh inning to give Portland a 6-1 advantage. The Sea Dogs scored four times in the seventh off LHP Edgar Estanga. Kalish and Still singled before 1B Lars Anderson's RBI double to center field. Apodaca greeted RHP Leon Boyd with a 2-run single down the left-field line.
Portland received multi-hit starts from 6 of 9 starters (all nine reached base safely): Anderson (2-for-4), Apodaca (2-for-4), Diaz (3-for-4), Kalish, (2-for-4), Reddick (2-for-4) and Still (3-for-5). The 16 hits for Portland was the most since they had 16 against the Binghamton Mets on June 3 at Hadlock Field.

LHP Tommy Hottovy allowed one run over 1.1 IP and RHP Bryce Cox wrapped up Portland's 23rd win at Hadlock Field by recording the final five outs. Mills was perfect in 4 of 6 innings and is 4-0, 1.96 ERA in his last four starts.
CF Darin Masroianni knocked in New Hampshire's first run with an inside-the-park homer to right field. 2B Brad Emaus produced an RBI single in the eighth inning.
The Sea Dogs will be off for the next 2 days due to the Eastern League All Star game in Trenton, NJ. Portland will travel to Trenton on Thursday night beginning at 7:05 PM. Catch all the action on the U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network beginning at 6:35 PM with the Pre-Game Show built by CorrectDeck.

Notes...Mills entered his June 4 start with an ERA of 8.92 but is 5-2, 1.96 ERA in 8 starts since - he currently has a scoreless streak of 13 innings...Apodaca knocked in a season-high 4 runs and is 5-for-13 (.385), 6 RBI and 5 doubles this month...Anderson extended his season-high hitting streak to 5 straight games: 10-for-16 (.625).

TUESDAY MORNING QUICK HITTERS

Lester on the mark last nigh vs The O's (Courtesy Boston.com)

• The Portland Sea Dogs win a rain shortened 1st game 8 - 5 against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. The scheduled 2nd game was postponed.
• Please check out The CMSB for all of the Maine Red Claws announcement info. The CMSB has audio of the announcement on 96.3 The Big Jab, the Danny Ainge/Jon Jenning Press Conference and The Monument Square Celebration. Also check out The Big Jab's website for pictures from the event.
• Jon Lester had Orioles batters in tatters last night and JD Drew fell a double short of the cycle as the Red Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles 4 - 0 Monday. Lester struck out 8 and didn't allow a runner past 2nd in 7 innings.
• University of Maine Men's Hockey Team goalie Dave Wilson's domestic assault charges were dismissed on Monday.
• Former Dirigo head coach named Maine Womens Basketball assistant coach.
  

THURSDAY MORNING QUICK HITTERS

Calais takes home the Class C title (COURTESY BANGOR DAILY NEWS)

• More Maine High School Championships were handed out yesterday. Here are the Eastern Maine from The BDN and Western Maine from PPH
• The Erie SeaWolves scored 10 runs in the 5th and 6th innings Wednesday Night to beat the Portland Sea Dogs 10 - 5 at Hadlock. Kason Gabbard makes his 2009 Sea Dogs debut tonight, go to seadogs.com for ticket information.
• USA Hockey has initiated new policies that make recruiting and scouting easier according to Tim Whitehead. Larry Mahoney from the BDN discusses the possibilities at Maine.
• John Smoltz has 4 easy up and down innings in his final rehab start fo the PawSox Wednesday. Clay Buchholz also pitched in the PawSox 9 - 3 win over Charlotte at McCoy Stadium.
• On a night where Fenway Park saw its 500th consecutive sell-out and fans got swag, Brad Penny pitched out of his own troubles on the way to the Sox 6 - 1 win over the Florida Marlins. There was concern for Penny when he took a line drive off the chest in the 1st, but he quickly recovered and still hit 97 on the gun.
• Danny Ainge comments on rumors of Rajon Rondo and others..
  
• In former Celtics news, Kevin McHale was ousted from the Minnesota Timberwolves after a 15 year tenor with the team. Staying in Minnesota, rumors have Al Jefferson and the Timberwolves 6th pick to the Phoenix Suns for Amare Stoudemire
• Paul Piece might just already be in midseason form and is obviously ready for the 2010 season "Lakers vs orlando. Looked like a german sherperd vs a poodle that's ok the rotwieler celtics will b back in 2o10"
• Yet another Boston Bruins player has surgery, Andrew Ferrence had hernia surgery yesterday, but will start te season on time.
• Our good friend Tim Rosenthal from Inside Hockey has posted part 3 of The Rosie Awards, for your viewing pleasure.
  

FRIDAY MORNING QUICK HITTERS

• The Sea Dogs had only 1 hit Thursday afternoon, but Mark Wagner's 2 run double in the 8th helped the Dogs topple the Binghamton Mets 3 - 2. The Sea Dogs take on the New York Yankees AA affiliate, the Trenton Thunder for the next series, for tickets visit the Sea Dogs Official Website.
• The Porltand Press Herald High School section HERE...and the Bangor Daily News High School section HERE.
• The Red Sox took care of the Detroit Tigers once again 6 - 3 in Detroit.
• Big Papi apparently heading for another eye exam.
• Vince Wilfork wants a revised contract.
• Part One of Inside Hockey's Rosie Awards are up.
  

TAZAWA SHUTS DOWN METS. DOGS WIN 3 - 2

Tazawa shines again (COURTESY TRENTON THUNDER.COM)

RHP Junichi Tazawa (6-3) worked a season-high 7 IP and C Mark Wagner drove in two runs as Portland (25-26) ended a 2-game losing streak at Hadlock Field, beating the Binghamton Mets (22-27) 3-2 on Tuesday night in just 2 hours and 39 minutes. RHP T.J. Large recorded his 4th save of the season by striking out 3B Jake Eigsti to end the game with the tying run at second base.

Tazawa and Binghamton starter RHP Tobi Stoner (1-2) each hurled four perfect frames before the Mets scored the games first run in the top of the fifth inning on a lead-off homer by LF Lucas Duda. Stoner, who suffered the loss, yielded 5 hitless innings (one walk) but surrendered a 3-spot in the sixth inning. SS Argenis Diaz led off the frame with a walk, RF Reid Engel singled and both advanced 90 feet on a sac-bunt by 2B Ryan Khoury. Wagner gave Portland the lead for good with a 2-run double down the left-field line. After 3B Jorge Jimenez flied out, LF Aaron Bates (2-for-4) smacked a run-scoring double to straight away center field, proving to the be the game-winning RBI.

Binghamton scored their final run of the night in the seventh inning on a sacrifice fly by DH D.J. Wabick. Tazawa yielded five hits, two runs, no walks and fanned three. RHP Richie Lentz worked around a lead-off walk in the eighth inning to earn his 3rd hold of the season. Lentz fanned two and hit 95 mph on the Hadlock Field radar gun.

The Sea Dogs send RHP Ryne Lawson to the hill on Wednesday night against Binghamton RHP Ryan Coultas in a 6:00 PM start at Hadlock Field. Catch all the action on the U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network beginning at 5:35 PM with the CorrectDeck Pre-Game Show.

Notes: Bates picked up his 5th multi-hit game in his last six starts. Diaz extended his hitting streak to eight straight but Khoury had his hit streak snapped at nine. Tazawa improved his organization leading strikeout total to 57. Engel returned to the lineup and went 1-for-2, BB and a run scored. LHP Roydrick Merritt worked 1.1 scoreless frames for the B-Mets.

WEDNESDAY MORNING QUICK HITTERS

Mark Recchi scores the 1st goal of the game 2:09 into the 1st(Courtesy Boston.com)

• Junichi Tazawa scattered 4 hits over 6 innings as the Portland Sea Dogs beat the New York Yankees AA Affiliate Trenton Thunder 4 - 1 Tuesday in Trenton. Sea Dogs OF Aaron Bates reached base safely in his 21st straight game.
• The University of Maine Black Bears Women's Hockey Team add 2 players to roster.
• Maine High School Sports results here from the Portland Press Herald.
• The Boston Bruins forced a Game 7 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Mark Recchi and Steve Montador scored 2 goals in the 1st 5:09 of the opening period to start the ball rolling to a 4 - 2 win over Carolina. All news was not great for the Bruins, Marc Savard left the game at the 6:12 mark of the 3rd Period when he had a leg/thigh collision with Carolina's Chad LaRose. Claude Julien said Savard will be ready for Game 7 Thursday Night.
• The Boston Celtics, who looked down and out of gas midway through the 3rd quarter trailing the Orlando Magic by as much as 20, staged a comeback for the ages. Stephon Marbury and Eddie House ignited the comeback, culminating in a free throw contest at the end of regulation leading the Boston Celtics to beat the Orlando Magic 92 - 88 to take a 3 - 2 lead in the series.
• The Boston Red Sox finished off a night of comebacks with one of its own. JD Drew started the Sox 9th with a single, and Jason Veritek drove him home with a gap shot double, putting the Sox up for good with a 4 - 3 win over the California Angels. Jonathan Papelbon finished things off for his 9th save of the season!
• The Boston Red Sox placed Kevin Youkilis on the 15 Day DL with an oblique strain.

Sea Dogs Fall to Mets

CMSB Photo Courtesy Pierre's of Exchange ST

The Binghamton Mets (13-12) scored six times off RHP Blake Maxwell (0-2) and beat the Portland Sea Dogs 9-7 on Thursday night at NYSEG Stadium.The Sea Dogs (13-13) trailed 9-1 after seven innings but scored six times in the eighth inning off the Mets’ bullpen. In the ninth, Portland had two on with one out but RHP Julio De La Cruz escaped the jam to notch his second save of the year (both in the series). Portland split their 4-game series in Binghamton and finished the week long trip at 4-3.

LHP Mike Antonini (4-1) earned the win by tossing 6.2 innings on four hits, one run, two walks and six strikeouts. Maxwell was touched for six runs on eight hits in 5 IP to suffer his second loss of the roadtrip.

In the ninth inning 1B Lars Anderson and LF Aaron Bates singled. De La Cruz induced a fly out to 1B Jon Still and got C Juan Apodaca to hit into a game-ending fielder’s choice.The ‘Dogs had 4 run-scoring hits and sent 10 men to the plate during their rally in the eighth.

With one out, Anderson (1-for-5) reached on a dropped pop-up by LHP Edgar Alfonzo (.2 IP, 4 R, 3 ER), setting up Bates (4-for-5, 2 RBI) for an RBI single. Still (1-for-5, 2 RBI) smacked a two run double, cutting the deficit to 9-4.

Apodaca (2-for-5) followed with a single and RF Reid Engel (1-for-4, RBI) lined a run-scoring single to left field. SS Zach Borowiak walked to load the bases and chase RHP Nick Abel (2 H, 2 R) out of the game. 2B Ryan Khoury (2-for-4, 2 RBI) blooped a 2-run double down the left-field line, on the play, Borowiak was thrown out at home by 3B Shawn Bowman. Bates, who picked up his second 4-hit game of the season, gave the Sea Dogs a 1-0 lead in the first with a double.

Binghamton scored the next nine runs, taking a 2-1 lead in the second inning on DH D.J. Wabick’s 2-run homer (first in Double-A). The B-Mets added three runs in the third inning on a 2-run double by DH Lucas Duda (2-for-4, 2 RBI) and a run-scoring single by Bowman (3-for-4, RBI). C Josh Thole (1-for-3) added an RBI single in Maxwell’s final inning. RHP Justin Hedrick yielded three runs in 1.2 IP on three hits and RHP Chad Rhoades gave up one run in 2 IP.

Apodaca, Bates and Khoury each had multiple-hit games for the Sea Dogs, who improved their league-leading average to .279.

Portland opens up a 3-game series at Hadlock Field on Friday night with the New Britain Rock Cats beginning at 7:00 PM. RHP Adam Mills (1-1, 6.20) will take the mound against RHP Jay Rainville (1-1, 2.74). Tickets for Sea Dogs Baseball can be purchased at www.seadogs.com or by calling (207) 874-9300.

Notes…The Sea Dogs finished 18-for-45 (.400) with runners-in-scoring position in the series, the B-Mets were 14-for-60 (.233)…16 of 18 starters reached base safely…Bates has reached base safely in 17 straight games, currently the longest streak in the Eastern League.

Recap here

Courtesy Portland Sea Dogs